Honda Civic e:HEV

FORECOURT HONDA CIVIC

Honda’s 11th-generation Civic brings some big advances. Ted Welford headed to Madrid to see how it all stacks up.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Honda Civic e:HEV Advance

Price (as tested): £32,995 Engine: 2.0-litre petrolelectric hybrid

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 315Nm

Max speed:

112mph

O-60mph: 7.9 seconds

Under the bonnet

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is paired with two electric motors that give the Civic 181bhp and 315Nm of torque.

WHAT IS IT?

Spanning 10 generations, Honda has always managed to keep the Civic relevant. Now it’s back with an 11th iteration, bringing with it a range of advances to ensure it can remain competitive in what remains an ultra-popular segment, particularly to retail customers.

WHAT’S NEW?

Although the Civic’s design on the outside hasn’t changed dramatically, there are plenty of other changes that have come into play – not least a new touchscreen that replaces the appalling system found in this hatchback before.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

There’s just the one option – a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with two small electric motors plus a battery. It’s brisker than the previous 1.5-litre petrol Civic, with 0-60mph taking 7.9 seconds in our Advance car, and capable of 112mph.

As for fuel efficiency, the Civic fares very well, with CO2 emissions of 114g/km on our top-spec test car, or just 108g/km on models fitted with the smaller wheels. We quite easily exceeded the 56.5mpg fuel economy figure, too, on our mixed-test route.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

These self-charging hybrids tend not to be great to drive, but this Honda is a big step up, especially compared with the brand’s other hybrid models. It’s smooth, isn’t shy of performance and is generally very pleasant. Ask a lot from it with your right foot and it does get quite vocal, but it’s otherwise quiet and refined, with minimal road noise, too.

The steering has a good degree of weight to it, making it good fun through the corners, and while there’s body roll if pushed, it’s undoubtedly one of the better cars behind the wheel in this class. At the same time, the ride is excellent, getting the balance about right between soft and firm.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

In terms of design, it’s definitely more evolutionary than revolutionary, but it’s a very smartlooking car nonetheless. It’s more or less the same size as the outgoing model, although the roof is slightly lower, helping to give it more of a coupe-like appearance and adding to the street cred. The front end is sportier than the outgoing car, too, with additional black

MPG (combined):

56.5

Emissions:

114g/km CO2

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The biggest step up on this new Civic is its new nine-inch touchscreen, which is a significant improvement on the awful Garmin-sourced system. It’s slicker, easy to use and gives the car a modern feel, helped by a new fully digital instrument cluster (Honda’s first), which is found on the top-spec model.

The fit and finish have improved too, with plenty of soft-touch and durable materials being used throughout, while a particular highlight is a honeycomb mesh surrounding the air con vents. There’s also plenty of room, with a 410-litre boot a good size by class standards, while rear legroom is generous as well, although taller passengers can struggle in the back because of the sloping roof, while the addition of the hybrid element means the boot isn’t as big as the previous Civic’s.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Three trim levels are offered on the Civic – Elegance, Sport and Advance – with even the entry-level grade getting a huge range of equipment. Highlights include adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a reversing camera. In fact, we reckon there’s not much need to upgrade.

But should you want to, the Sport brings wireless smartphone charging, LED front fog lights and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Opt for the top-spec Advance and it features a Bose sound system, panoramic glass roof and electric front seats.

Pricing starts at £29,595 and rises to £32,995 for a top-spec Advance model. It might seem quite expensive at first, but it’s right on the money compared with Toyota’s similarly powerful Corolla hybrid. You’d be better off choosing a more affordable trim level, though.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THNK?

Auto Express said: ‘In a market that’s still incredibly crowded, Honda’s individual approach could see it score well.’ Parkers said: ‘If you’re a petrolhead that’s being squeezed into a hybrid by rising fuel bills and the cost-of-living crisis, this could be the car for you.’

WHAT DO WE THNK?

Honda has totally raised the Civic up a notch for this latest generation. Its hybrid setup is the Japanese firm’s best yet, with its combination of performance, smoothness and efficiency really standing out. Blended with an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience, there’s a huge amount to like about this new car which – Type R models aside – is one of Honda’s best in years.

It’s one of those rare cars that really doesn’t have much wrong with it, and fully deserves to carry the famous Civic nameplate well into the future and beyond.

Its hybrid setup is the Japanese firm’s best yet, with its combination of performance, smoothness and efficiency really standing out.

Style

The new Civic has a sportier front end with black trim to give it a more aggressive look.

Interior

The Civic gets a much-improved nine-inch touchscreen that’s slicker and easier to use.

TARGET BUYERS:

Owners of larger, more premium cars who are looking to downsize.

THE RIVALS:

Skoda Octavia Toyota Corolla Volkswagen Golf

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Good to drive 2.Efficient and smooth hybrid setup 3.Feels and looks the part

DEAL CLINCHER:

The best-driving (excluding the Type R) and most efficient Honda Civic yet.